1. Write better headlines

You probably already know a compelling headline can attract more readers (and therefore more customers). But, did you know experts believe you have five seconds (or less) to capture your reader’s attention when they land on your site?

If you don’t grab their attention, you risk them leaving, wandering around the Internet, finding someone else, and completely forgetting about your business.

Luckily this problem has an easy solution:

Whenever you have a headline you know could be better, try testing out the 4 U’s. The 4 U’s (coined by AWAIOnline.com) are urgency, usefulness, uniqueness, and ultra specific.

This post is one of their most popular and it could be because of the headline. However, we could improve this headline with one or more of the 4 U’s.

First of all, the headline isn’t very urgent. In fact, it says, “There’s always time.” This article could be more effective with some urgency in the headline. Such as, “The One Thing You Must Do Today to Eventually Launch Your Dream.”

It could also be more specific by pinpointing the reader’s dream. Based on the article, the reader probably wants to build his or her own business. The headline could get more specific by saying, “entrepreneurial dream” instead of just “dream.”

2. Write conversationally

What does that mean? Writing conversationally means that you research your target market to learn how they speak. Then, incorporate what you learn into your copy.

Also, forget how you learned to write in English class and write like you’re talking to a friend instead. Specifically don’t write like a corporation or lawyer. You want to be your readers’ ally and friend—someone who is there to help them.

Here’s a great example of a conversational headline that grabs your attention:

Finally, when writing conversationally, write like you’re talking to one person at a time. Use the word “you” naturally to connect with readers.

3. Always include a call to action

A call to action is simply asking your reader to do something. Basically, they came to your website, your headline grabbed their attention, they read through your conversational copy, and now they’re at the end…

What should they do?

Well, if you don’t make a suggestion, they probably won’t do anything. Most readers won’t sign up for your e-newsletter, follow you on Facebook, or “comment below” on their own. You must take the initiative and ask them for what you want.

But, keep in mind, calls to action in your content should not be hard sells. Save the “Buy Now” pitches for your sales pages.

In content, like articles and blog posts, here are some call to action ideas:

What’s your opinion about X? Comment below to join the discussion.

If you liked this, you’ll love this. (With a link to a sales page.)

Did you enjoy this article? If so, please share it with your friends. (With social sharing options.)

Here’s an example clipped from Ambit Energy’s blog, “The Spark”:

This blog shares energy efficiency information and is a critical part of Ambit’s content marketing. Notice how they provide information and then add a call to action.

4. Format your writing for readability

Online users are busier than ever. If your copy isn’t easy to read, they’ll easily get distracted and leave. After all, they have everything from social media to work-related emails crossing their screen (and mind).

5. Focus

I’m personally guilty of getting off on a tangent, both in real conversations and in my writing. Luckily, when writing, I have the opportunity to delete anything “extra” before I hit “Publish.” You should too or your audience will lose interest.

For each piece of content you write, be sure to stick to only ONE point, ONE position, and ONE idea for each piece of content you create. For instance, in the example below, the main focus seems to be teamwork:

DON’T MISS OUT

Christina Gillick is a direct-response copywriter. She helps her clients create loyal customers and raving fans through relationship building copy and marketing. She is also an entrepreneur and founder of ComfyEarrings – The Most Comfortable Earrings on Earth.

31 COMMENTS

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Hi Christina Gillick, First of all thanks for such amazing sharing aboput content using in a better way to get more ROI by visitors. I have a medical toursim website, can you please help me to describe the best technique to to stop vistors on my blog and also becomes my customer too.

Altaf, thanks for sharing. Research has proven that short paragraphs increase readability. In fact, I know one editor who will reject an article if any sentence is more than 24 words or any paragraph is more than the specified limit (I can’t remember, but it’s somewhere around 50 words). I haven’t seen research about summaries, but they would be worth testing.

Chrisitina,Very good article! Great tips all. I particularly agree with the formatting for easy reading.

One thing that is often left out in many articles on this subject, however, is that writing good subheads is imprortant as well. I use them for several reasons.

First, they help me focus on the topic at hand, serving as an outline. Keeps me from chasing rabbits! I normally write the headline and subheads first, after I’ve determined the topic.

Obvioiusly they are not set in stone and will probably change during the first edit. However, they do keep me on track during the first draft.

The other reason they’re important is that they give the reader a type of roadmap for the article. Great for skimmers and scanners, subheads allow the reader to decide whether to invest time in reading the entire post.

I sometimes use what I call the Snellen Test for copy. The Snellen test for visual acuity is that eye chart we’ve all had to read to figure out our eyesight problems. I use a similar technique by printing out the article, hanging it on the wall, and then moving away from it until just the headlines and subhead are readable. Then I decide if they contribute to the flow of the article, allowing the reader get the gist of the topic.

Seriously though, I use it when I feel my article is disjointed. I’ve used the technique for quite some time, but first introduced the idea on an article I wrote for Uberflip. Felt it might be good to share with the young’uns.

Besides . . . I squint most of the time anyway!
To your success,
Steve

Your tip on writing a call to action is right on the money and so critical. Even if it’s just to ask for comments or input on the article.

I share the articles I write for Uberflip with LinkedIn groups. Here’s one place I see folks, uh, messing up. When you share on a LinkedIn group, the same set of rules apply. Create a compelling title for the post, add an interesting description of the article to get folks’ literary taste buds primed and DO NOT forget to include a call to action!

For example, when I write my description of the linked article, I usually include something along these lines at the end: “After reading the article, jump back here and let us know how you handle this situation. We’d all like to hear your take on it.”

If you’re going to use social networking to promote your articles (and by extension, yourself), then use it effectively! It pays off really well.

The results from my LinkedIn profile have been increasing a lot lately. Here are some ideas you might think about (and anyone else here as well).

Make a huge effort to fill out your profile as completely as possible. There’s a meter on the right side that tells you how strong your profile is. Mine is sitting at All-Star. You can get there!

I have my summary first, under my photomograph. That’s because it’s the first thing I want viewers to see.

I’ve seen a lot of profile summaries that consist of bulleted or numbered lists of “what I can do.” A laundry list of sorts. For better results, write good copy that speaks to prospects.

Include samples of your work. There’s a space for that. Pick out your best work and use it. You can always swap that out later for something new, by the way. Say, that brings up another point.

Remember that recommendations are worth more than endorsements. Don’t be afraid to ask for some from your past and present clients.

In most cases, your status is updated when you make a change. That puts it out there in the open for folks to see. Don’t update everyday . . . but do update.

I have the paid, business membership. You get a lot more reach and other benefits. If you can afford the monthly, go fo it. I stuck with the free version for several months before switching. I’m seeing more activity since I switched a year ago.

Social networking is important. The clients I’m looking for are looking for writer’s on LinkedIn. I work it more heavily than any other, save perhaps Google+. Those are my top most productive networking site. All others get their content pretty much on autopilot from LinkedIn.

If you get a byline for a guest post (paid or otherwise), make sure your LinkedIn profle gets a link. In mine, LinkedIn, my website, and Google+ profile get top billing. By the way, if I don’t get a byline for a paid guest post (sometimes happens with clients) the price per post goes up.

Significantly.

Here’s a link to my LI profile in case anyone here would like to view it for ideas:
linkedin.com/in/stevemaurercopywriting/

I wish the best of success to everyone here!
Steve

Steve Maurer says:

May 28, 2014 at 2:21 pm

By the way, sorry for the spelling errors in the previous comment. Didn’t run it throught The Snellen test! I need to find my glasses I guess!